Any Natural Disaster

In case of an emergency the location of

 Utilities: water and gas shut-offs, electric panel.

 Water shut off is located in garage behind the water tank.
 The electrical panel is in garage near the garage door
 The gas shut off is in garage near the furnace.
 72 hours of food and water supply (72-hours is the minimum required).

 There is food and water stored in shed in backyard in case of emergency.

 First aid supplies, kit, and manuals.

 First aid supplies are stored in kitchen near the kitchen door.

As Soon As Possible

1- Look for injured employees or residents. Help clear debris and care for the injured.

2- Extinguish all smoking materials and shut off the gas. You may have a broken gas line, which
could ignite a fire/explosion.

3- Remain calm. Even though the main force of the disaster may be over, there may still be
danger. For example, earthquakes are frequently followed by aftershocks and although the
hurricane is over, a tropical storm may still be in effect.

4- Do NOT leave your facility until it has been determined that travel is safe.

5- Conduct a complete safety inspection as soon as possible after the disaster.

6- Assess the damages and call your insurance carrier or retain the services of a property
damage and liability insurance carrier. Check for:

o Structural Damage – Block access to areas where structural damage is apparent.

o Damage to Water Pipes – Shut off water supply – block access to flooded area until the
water on the floor can be cleaned up.
o Damaged Electrical Outlets or Cords – Shut off electrical power or discontinue use until
repaired.
o Loose Lighting Fixtures, Cabinets, Shelves, Etc. – Block access to area until repaired.
 o Broken Windows and Doors – Tape or take other measures to secure loose glass. Keep
employees out of these areas until repairs have been made.
o Gas Leaks – Shut off the gas supply. Prohibit smoking on the premises.
o Stairways – Remove any debris, secure handrails and block access until repaired.
o Fuse Boxes or Circuit Breakers – Shut off power until repaired.
o Fire, First Aid and Other Safety Equipment – Check for damage and make accessible. DO
NOT USE if damaged; replace as soon as possible.
o Chemicals – Inspect for leaks, spills or damage to the container. Follow safety precautions as
outlined on the appropriate Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Wildfire

Wildfires often begin unnoticed. They spread quickly, igniting brush, trees and homes. Reduce your
risks by preparing now – before wildfires strikes. Meet with your family to decide what to do and
where to go if wildfires threaten your area. Follow the steps listed below to protect your family,
home and property.

Practice Wildfire Safety

o Contact your local fire department, health department or forestry office for information on
fire laws. Make sure that fire vehicles can get to your home. Clearly mark all driveway
entrances and display your name and address.

o Report hazardous conditions that could cause a wildfire.

o Teach children about fire safety. Keep matches out of their reach.

o Post fire emergency telephone numbers.

o Plan several escape routes away from your home – by car and foot.

o Talk to your neighbors about wildfire safety. Plan how the neighborhood could work
together after a wildfire. Make a list of your neighbors’ skills such as medical or technical.
Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs such as elderly or disabled
persons. Make plans to take care of children who may be on their own if parents can’t get
home.

When Wildfire Threatens

o If you are warned that a wildfire is threatening your area, listen to your battery-operated
radio for reports and evacuation information. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF LOCAL
OFFICIALS.
 o Back your car into the garage or park it in an open space facing the direction of escape. Shut
doors and roll up the windows. Leave the key in the ignition. Close the garage windows and
doors but leave them unlocked. Disconnect the automatic garage door openers.

o Confine all pets into one room. Make plans to care for your pets in the case you must
evacuate.
o Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative’s home outside of the threatened
area.

If Advised to Evacuate, DO SO IMMEDIATELY.

o Wear protective clothing – sturdy shoes, cotton or woolen clothing, long pants, a
long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.
o Take your Disaster Supplies Kit.
o Lock your home.
o Tell someone you left and where you are going.
o Choose a route away from the fire hazards. Watch for changes in the speed and
direction of the fire and smoke.
If you’re sure you have time, take steps to protect your home.

INSIDE
o Close windows, vents, doors, venetian blinds or non-combustible window coverings and
heavy drapes. Remove lightweight curtains.
o Shut off the gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights.
o Open fireplace damper. Close fireplace screens.
o Move flammable furniture into the center of the room away from the windows and sliding-
glass doors.
o Turn on a light in each room to increase the visibility of your home in heavy smoke.

OUTSIDE
o Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
o Turn off propane tanks.
o Place combustible patio furniture inside.
o Connect the garden hose to outside taps.
o Place sprinklers on the roof and near above-ground fuel tanks. Wet the roof.
o Set up portable gas-powered pump.
o Wet or remove shrubs within 15 feet of the home.
o Gather fire tools.
Earthquake
Prepare a Home Earthquake Safety Plan

o Choose a safe place in every room – under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside
wall where nothing can fall against you.
o Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy
desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm.
If there’s no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from
windows, bookcases or tall furniture that could fall on you. DROP, COVER AND HOLD
ON!
o Choose an out-of-town contact.
o Eliminate hazards, including

 Bolting bookcases, china cabinets and other tall

furniture to wall studs.
 Installing strong latches on cupboards.
 Strapping the water heater to wall studs.

o Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
o Get training on how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
o Inform Relief Caregivers and Resident Manager of your plan.

Know what to do when the shaking begins

o DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors
until the shaking stops and you’re sure it’s safe to exit.
o If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
o If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines. Drop to
the ground.
o If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car
until the shaking stops.

Identify what to do after the shaking stops

o Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a
long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes and work gloves
o Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries
o Look for and extinguish all small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas
or think it is leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
o Listen to the radio for instructions
 o Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON!
o Inspect home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe
o Use the telephone ONLY to report life-threatening emergencies

Water in an Emergency
How to Store Water
Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel lined metal
containers. NEVER use a container that has held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as
soft drink bottles are best. You can also purchase “food-grade” plastic buckets or drums.
Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool dark place. Rotate every six
months.

Emergency Outdoor Water Sources

If you need water outside your home, you can use these sources. Be sure to purify the water
according to the instructions listed under “Three Ways to Purify Water” before drinking it.

o Rainwater
o Streams, rivers and other moving bodies of water
o Ponds and lakes
o Natural springs
Avoid water with floating material, an odor, or dark in color. Use salt water only if you distill it first.
You should NOT drink flood water.

If disaster catches you without a stored supply of clean water, you can use the water in your hot-
water tank, pipes and ice cubes. As a last resort, you can use the water in the reserve tank of your
toilet (NOT the bowl).

Shut off the water supply from the road to prevent the water in the lines from becoming
contaminated if you hear of reports of a broken water or sewer lines. Let air into the lines by
opening the faucet in your house at the highest level and gather the water from the lines at the
lowest faucet in the house.

To use the water in your hot-water tank, be sure the electricity or gas is off and open the drain at
the bottom of the tank. Start the water flowing by turning off the water intake supply valve and
turning on a hot-water faucet. DO NOT turn on the gas or electricity when the tank is empty. If
supplies run low, NEVER ration water. Drink the amount you need for today and try to find more
tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying
cool.
Three Ways to Purify Water
In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms that
cause dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis. You should purify ALL water of uncertain purity BEFORE
using it for drinking, food preparation or hygiene.

There are many ways to purify water, NONE is perfect. Often the best solution is a combination of
methods. Two easy purification methods are outlined below. These measures will kill most
microbes but will not remove other contaminants such as heavy metals, salts and most other
chemicals. Before purifying, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom or strain them through
several layers of paper towel or a clean cloth.

Boiling
Boiling is the safest method of purifying water. Bring water to a rolling boil for three - five minutes,
keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water
will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two
clean containers. This will also improve the taste of stored water.

Disinfection
You can use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid
bleach that contains 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. DO NOT use scented bleaches, color safe
bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.

Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not
have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand for another 15 minutes.

The ONLY agent used to purify water should be household liquid bleach. Other chemicals, such as
Iodine or water treatment products sold in camping or surplus stores that do not contain 5.25
percent sodium hypochlorite as the ONLY active ingredient, are NOT recommended and SHOULD
NOT be used.

While the two methods described above will kill most microbes in the water, distillation will remove
microbes that resist these methods, along with heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.

Distillation
Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the vapor that condenses back to water. The
condensed vapor will not include the salt and other impurities. To distill, fill a pot halfway with
water. Tie a cup to the handle on the pot’s lid so that the cup will hang right-side up when the lid is
upside-down (make sure the cup is not dangling into the water) and boil the water for 20 minutes.
The water that drips from the lid into the cup is distilled.
Food in an Emergency
When Food Supplies Are Low

If activity is reduced, healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended
period and without food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely.

If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein and don’t stock
salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and
canned foods with high liquid content.

You don’t need to go out and buy unfamiliar foods to prepare an emergency food supply. You can
use the canned foods, dry mixes and other staples in your cupboard shelves. In fact, familiar foods
are important. They can lift morale and give a feeling of security in a time of stress. Also canned
foods won’t require cooking, water or special preparation.

Special Considerations

As you stock food, take into account your family’s unique needs and tastes. Try to include foods
they will enjoy and that are high in calories and nutrition. Foods that require no refrigeration,
preparation or cooking are best.

Individuals with special diets and allergies will need particular attention. Canned dietetic foods,
juices and soups may be helpful for ill or elderly people. Make sure you have a manual can opener
and disposable utensils. And don’t forget nonperishable foods for your pets.

If the Electricity Goes Off

FIRST, use the perishable foods and foods from the Refrigerator.

THEN, use foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post
a list of the items in the freezer on the door. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually
have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are still safe to eat) for at least three days.

FINALLY, begin to use non-perishable foods and staples.

How to Cook If the Power Goes Out

For emergency cooking, you can use a fireplace; a BBQ Grill or a camp stove may be used outdoors.
You can also heat food with candle warmers, chafing dishes and fondue pots. Canned foods can be
eaten right out of the can. If you heat the food in the can, be sure to open the can and remove the
label first.
Floods - Before a Flood

o Know what has occurred to local property during past floods and take appropriate
actions.
o Consult with a local licensed insurance agent for the availability of flood insurance through
the federally sponsored National Flood Insurance Program. Generally, there is a five-day
waiting period.
o Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up into sewer
drains or buy large corks or stoppers to plug sinks showers and tubs.
o Obtain sandbags, plastic sheeting, lumber, and towels.
o Fuel vehicles in case evacuation becomes necessary.
o Monitor rapidly changing weather conditions.

During a Flood - If there is time

o Disconnect all electrical and gas appliances. Shut off the water main to keep contaminated
water from the water heater (a source of emergency drinking water).
o Bring outdoor possessions indoors.
o Move valuables and essential items to upper floors.
o Sandbags should be stacked well away from the building to avoid damaging the walls. If
major flooding is expected, flood the basement with clean water to equalize the water
pressure on the outside of the basement walls and floors. This is to prevent structural
damage.
o Round up pets.

Evacuation

o Use travel routes recommended by local authorities.

o Keep a radio on for news and updates.
o Watch for flooding at bridges, viaducts and low areas.
o Be alert for thunder and lightning that may signify rain and more flooding ahead.
o Don’t drive over flooded roads. It is impossible to tell how deep the water is, or if portions
of the roadway have been washed out. Vehicles may be swept away.
o Never try to cross flooding water above your knees.
o All passengers should abandon a stalled vehicle and move as a group to higher ground.
 After a Flood

o Return to home ONLY after authorities say it is safe.

o If there is major structural damage or there are utility breaks, have qualified specialists
inspect your home and make any repairs BEFORE you re-enter.
o Be very careful when inspecting your home on your own for the first time.
o Use a flashlight, not a lantern or torch.
o Check for gas leaks (Use your nose.)
o Wear rubber soled shoes and rubber gloves in case of severed electrical lines.
o DON’T turn on ANY electrical switches.
o Check electrical circuits only when electricity has been shut off.
o Don’t use flooded electrical appliances until they have been repaired.
o Don’t drink municipal water until the health department has declared it safe.
o Don’t rush to pump out a flooded basement. If the water is removed all at once, the walls
may cave in because of a sudden pressure change. Pump out about a third of the water
each day.

Emergency Disaster Plan

Phone Numbers to Call

911 Emergency Services - Police/Fire/Ambulance

(425) 743-4605 Water Company - Alderwood Water & Wastewater District
(425) 388-5060 Snohomish County Emergency Services Department
(425) 783-1000 PUD Electric Company
(425) 261-4800 Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish County
(425) 343-5566 Gas Company - Puget Sound Energy.
(425) 388-7500 Operations Center - Lynnwood Operations Center
(425) 252-4103 Red Cross
(425) 339-5200 Health Department - Snohomish Health District
(425) 640-4000 Hospital - Swedish Edmonds Campus

Fire Disasters
In case of a fire, GET EVERYONE OUT! Go to a neighbor’s home to call for emergency services.
Location for Emergency Disaster Supply Kit and First Aid Kit is in kitchen cabinets near the kitchen
door.
Emergency Phone Numbers Supplies and Locations
Ambulance, Fire, Police 911
AFH Home Phone Numbers Cell Phone Numbers
AFH homeowner 425-123-4567 425-234-5678
Caregiver 425-000-0000 425-111-2222
Pharmacy - Welgreens 425-712-0512 425-712-0512

Residents and Family Information

Name/DOB/SSN POA/Phone Doctors MD/ARNP Phone#/Fax#
Numbers

Items of Interest Location

Emergency Disaster Kit
Emergency Food
Emergency water
Water cut off valve
Water cut off tee
Electric Breaker Box
Hot Water Heater
Home Floorplan